President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Photo: File
ISLAMABAD:
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have expressed their commitment to ensuring an enabling environment for women to realize their full potential.
In their separate messages on the occasion of International Women’s Day observed on Sunday, the President and Prime Minister paid tribute to the women, mothers, sisters and daughters of Pakistan and around the world.
President Zardari said the government is working to expand women’s access to education and health care, strengthen economic opportunities and improve protection against violence.
He said women’s representation in parliament and provincial assemblies was ensured by constitutional provisions.
In a message posted on social media platform
The Prime Minister said that women’s empowerment remains at the heart of the government’s vision for Pakistan’s development.
He paid tribute to Pakistani women on the occasion of International Women’s Day, recognizing their contributions and resilience.
He expressed his commitment to expanding opportunities, ensuring equal access to education and economic participation, and creating an environment in which every woman can realize her full potential.
The Prime Minister said that Pakistani women continue to shape the country’s progress with resilience, talent and determination in all spheres of national life.
Shehbaz said women’s achievements inspire the nation and strengthen the collective resolve to build a stronger and more prosperous Pakistan.
Meanwhile, in his message, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar noted that Pakistan remains committed to advancing the rights and empowerment of women and girls.
He said that as a State Party to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), Pakistan continues to pursue legislative, policy and institutional reforms that strengthen women’s participation and leadership.
Dar said the government has put in place a comprehensive framework to promote gender-responsive legislation, monitoring and accountability. He emphasized that women’s voices, talents and aspirations are key drivers of inclusive development, responsive governance and sustainable peace.
Dar said Pakistan is proud to host the 9th Ministerial Conference on Women of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) this year.
He said women are increasingly assuming leadership roles in political institutions, the executive, judiciary, civil service, armed forces, NGOs and the public and private corporate sectors. They also represent Pakistan with distinction in diplomacy and international organizations.
(With input from Radio Pakistan)
